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Blue Jays and Yankees Ramp Up Trade Pursuits with July 31 Deadline Nearing

Toronto has shifted into buy mode targeting relief help and front-line starters against a backdrop of 22 contenders chasing limited deadline assets

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 10: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox high fives teammates after a 4-3 win against the Tampa Bay Raysc at Fenway Park on July 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs makes a diving catch in left field during the second inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: Former MLB players (L-R) Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter have a laugh during the television pre game show before a game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on June 08, 2024 in New York City. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees 11-3.

Overview

  • Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is widely expected to chase high-leverage relievers and elite starters, with names like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly topping their wish list
  • Yankees president Brian Cashman said the club is “fully engaged” in talks for bullpen reinforcements, starting pitchers and third-base upgrades
  • Small-market sellers in Minnesota, Cleveland, Kansas City and Arizona have emerged as prime sources of controllable arms, fueling a competitive market for both relievers and rotation pieces
  • Twenty-two teams in postseason position or within five games of a playoff spot are vying for a shallow pool of premium assets, driving up trade costs
  • Front offices have just over two weeks to execute deals that could reshape division races and playoff trajectories before the July 31 cutoff